Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune: Starting from the Celestial Master’s Mansion
Chapter 329: Master Tang Tianshi standing his last shift

As Lei Jun’s mana circulated, the two vapor spheres he had separated gradually began to shift, transforming into one black and one yellow.

The two then slowly merged, surrounding Lei Jun like auspicious clouds.

Within him, the Divine Court constructed in his internal cosmos became increasingly refined and complete, constantly resonating with the black and yellow energies of the outside world.

As time passed, the scenery within Lei Jun’s Divine Court stabilized more and more, until signs of transformation began to emerge.

While Lei Jun focused on his cultivation, the world beyond Mount Longhu continued to churn with winds of unrest.

Compared to the earlier years of border trouble in the northwest and the chaos in the Eastern Sea, the human realm of the Great Tang was still relatively peaceful now.

What disturbances remained were still mostly tied to the Jiuli Clan in the Land of the Deep Sea.

Not long ago, the Patriarch of the Broken Li Clan, Li Yan, secretly led elite clansmen northward and attacked the ancestral grounds of the Ye Clan in Cangzhou, causing casualties among their disciples.

In response, the Ye Clan of Cangzhou, the Tang Imperial Family, and even experts from the Ye Clan of Qingzhou, the Lin Clan of Youzhou, and the Chu Clan of Suzhou were all mobilized to hunt down Li Yan and the Jiuli cultivators retreating from the battle.

Meanwhile, on the Southern Wasteland front, the Tang Imperial Family coordinated personnel in an attempt to block the Void Gateway connecting to the Land of the Deep Sea.

However, Li Yan and his group received help from Haiwangju, one of the most powerful sea monsters in the Eastern Sea, and successfully broke through from the sea to head south toward the Southern Wasteland.

Though injured and in a rather sorry state, Li Yan and the others managed to break through the Tang's Southern defenses and return to the Land of the Deep Sea with help from Bi Li Clan’s Patriarch, Li De, working from the inside.

When Lei Jun, Yuan Mobai, and the others on Mount Longhu heard the news, they couldn’t help exchanging glances.

Haiwangju was one of the top-tier sea monsters in the Eastern Sea, its strength on par with a Ninth Heaven human cultivator.

Compared to the now-deceased Thousand-Leaf Butterfly King, Haiwangju was even more vicious and skilled in combat.

Though it had previously caused havoc and was severely injured, it had kept a low profile in recent years, focusing on recovery.

Now, its sudden return to the world had completely disrupted the Tang’s plan to eliminate Li Yan and his group.

Despite its ferocity, Haiwangju was intelligent.

But as far as anyone knew, there had been no prior contact between Haiwangju and Li Yan’s group.

Even if Haiwangju acted to create more enemies for the Tang Empire, the lack of trust and communication between the two sides was a huge issue.

Lei Jun suspected there must be some kind of bridge enabling that communication.

Could it be Abbot Yuanmie of the Vast Void Temple?

If it was him, it suggested a rift had formed between the Vast Void Temple and the great aristocratic family of the Ye Clan in Cangzhou, with whom they had long-standing ties.

The Vast Void Temple was already in a dire situation, one could even say it was in terrible shape.

Now that they had seemingly fallen out with the very clan that had once supported them in secret, what was Yuanmie relying on?

A few thoughts surfaced in Lei Jun’s mind.

Still, it didn’t affect his current cultivation rhythm or focus.

He continued his quiet cultivation in the mountains.

In contrast, a recent meeting within the Heavenly Book Universe offered him some side gains.

At the latest gathering, only the Solar Luminary, Lunar Luminary, Mercury Luminary (Chenxing), and himself as the Venus Luminary (Taibai) were present.

Mars Luminary (Yinghuo) Shen Qubing and Saturn Luminary (Zhenxing) Fang Yue hadn’t shown up in a while.

Regarding Fang Yue, Lei Jun had heard through public channels that he had gone into seclusion to study.

Given his consistent progress and innate talent, Lei Jun guessed this prodigy of the Confucian Recitation Lineage—though a few years younger than him—was attempting to break through to the Eighth Heaven’s “Transcendent State.”

Although Fang Yue was now over fifty, that wasn’t a hard rule. Whether one was a few years early or late didn’t matter; what counted was the overall process and long-term development.

Judging by his current pace, Fang Yue was living up to his reputation as a prodigy.

But aside from talent, his opportunities and fortune were also extraordinary.

As for Shen Qubing, it seemed to be a similar case.

Lei Jun had initially thought his absence might be due to injuries sustained in the Land of the Deep Sea, delaying his progress.

But judging from recent signs, Shen Qubing was likely already in closed-door cultivation for his final push.

That meant his recovery had been much faster than expected.

Lei Jun suspected this had something to do with the Tang Imperial Family—possibly even the Empress herself.

Whether inside or outside the Heavenly Book Universe, Empress Zhang Wantong surely wouldn’t neglect such a promising talent under her command.

Compared to Shen Qubing and Fang Yue, the one who stood out most was the Venus Luminary representing the White Lotus Sect’s Future Maitreya—who was notably absent this time.

He had joined the previous discussion but had since gone completely quiet, prompting inevitable speculation.

Still, not just Lei Jun—none of the other three pressed the matter.

They continued their usual exchange.

“My issue remains the same as before.”

The Solar Luminary, likely the Empress, spoke first: “Still looking for information on the other four divisions of the Vajra Realm. Anything and everything is useful—just make sure it’s accurate.”

Lei Jun said, “I’m seeking intel on the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, and any other human realms. Same deal—whatever info you have, I want it detailed and precise.”

The Lunar Luminary followed: “Hmm, this time I’d like to ask—does anyone have information on Huangquan?

They’ve been making quite the scene lately. I’m especially curious about a treasure called the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

During the battle atop Xiaoding, it turned out that the banner contained the evil soul of a deceased Shushan Elder named Wang Kun, and nearly used it to steal the Northern Abyss Divine Spear. Thankfully, it failed in the end.

But the artifact was taken back to Huangquan by those heretics from Inner Shushan.

What I want to know is—are there any other evil souls of departed masters sealed within the Ten Thousand Souls Banner?”

Mercury Luminary replied, “I don’t know much about that treasure in particular, but I have heard some rumors about Huangquan and Inner Shushan. They need more verification though.”

Lunar Luminary asked, “What are you looking for in exchange?”

Mercury Luminary answered, “There’s something called a Soul-Draining Stone. I want that.”

Lunar Luminary paused slightly. “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t have one on hand...”

Soul-Draining Stone? I’ve got one… Lei Jun thought to himself.

It was one of the spoils he obtained after taking out Fu Dongsen and looting his Daoist Shrinking Bag.

Of all Fu Dongsen’s belongings, what Lei Jun and the others at Tianshi Mansion valued most were the talisman decrees related to the Mortal Daoist Nation.

But Fu Dongsen had also left behind other items, including this Soul-Draining Stone.

It was a spirit item, though of little use to Daoist cultivators. Likely, Fu Dongsen had kept it for future artifact crafting.

This item hadn’t been taken from Shushan when he left—Lei Jun had already confirmed this when he returned to Xiaoding as Chen Donglou the first time. Back then, Zhang Dongyuan and others had catalogued all items lost due to the defection of Fu Dongsen and Hong Jie, and provided the list to Lei Jun as a lead.

So Lei Jun could now trade this Soul-Draining Stone without worrying it would reveal he was the one who killed Fu Dongsen.

“Venus Luminary, I’d like to propose a deal.”

The Lunar Luminary chimed in, “I also badly need intel on Huangquan. I don’t have the Soul-Draining Stone, but I do have other human realm intel. Could I join this transaction?”

Lei Jun said, “I don’t mind.”

Mercury Luminary: “As long as I get the Soul-Draining Stone, I’m fine with it too.”

Lunar Luminary: “Thanks, both of you. Let me share what I have as a show of good faith.

I’ve heard some things about the Lone Eagle Khanate, which recently appeared in the northwest.

It’s now confirmed that the Khanate exists in a different human realm, just as vast as ours.

And it’s not the only power in that realm. The ruling dynasty there is known as the Great Song.

However, the current state of the Song Imperial Court is unclear. Some clues suggest their empire is fractured and scattered.”

So the fragmented worlds connected through the Void Gateways at Great Black Mountain and Changjie Island might have fallen from that Song realm… Lei Jun mused silently.

“The Ming Realm runs about 2,400 years ahead in time compared to the Tang Realm.”

He asked, “What about the Song Realm?”

Lunar Luminary: “That, we don’t know yet.”

Lei Jun: “If you learn anything more in the future, I hope you’ll let me know.”

Lunar Luminary: “Of course.”

Lei Jun: “Then the deal’s done. I’ll give the Soul-Draining Stone to Mercury Luminary.”

Mercury Luminary: “Great. Then today, I guess I’ll sell my wares to two buyers at once.

Huangquan did indeed surge into the human realm at Xiaoding through Shushan, but that’s not their only possible gateway.

At the very least, there may be another in the Southern Wasteland.

The Holy Master of Golden Castle, ‘Ghost King’ Zong Han—keep an eye on him.”

Lunar Luminary: “Zong Han, huh?”

Mercury Luminary: “Yeah. He has ties to Huangquan, though I can’t confirm whether he’s been in contact with Inner Shushan yet. The info is solid, and I’ll dig for more details.”

“Ghost King” Zong Han was the Holy Master of the Ghost Dao Lineage of the Southern Wasteland’s Golden Castle.

Golden Castle had fallen on hard times recently, its situation almost as bad as the Blood River Sect.

Zong Han himself had been heavily wounded by Tang Xiaotang years ago, losing nearly all his evil souls and corpse puppets, and had barely escaped with his life.

Since then, he had gone completely silent, vanishing without a trace.

Who would’ve thought he now had connections to Huangquan?

“I thought Zong Han was tied to Luoyuan,” Lunar Luminary said.

Luoyuan, like Huangquan, the Land of the Deep Sea, and Avīci, was one of the Ten Earths of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. All were realms of the underworld or afterlife.

It was said that back when the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths were still connected to the human realms, Luoyuan had strong links to the Witch Sect.

To Ghost Dao cultivators, it would be a paradise.

“Whether Zong Han is tied to Luoyuan, I’m not sure,” said Mercury Luminary, “But he definitely has entanglements with Huangquan—it’s only a matter of how deep.”

Lunar Luminary: “I trust your word.”

Lei Jun: “Same here.”

After that, he and Mercury Luminary spoke privately to set up a time and place in the real world for their Soul-Draining Stone exchange.

Meanwhile, Solar and Lunar Luminary had their own private chat.

Lunar Luminary sighed, “One wave hasn’t settled before another rises. Inner Shushan’s cultivation methods are extremely sinister. If they spread, the common folk will suffer.”

Solar Luminary: “Since there’s already a sign, more changes could come very soon.”

Lunar Luminary: “Should I report to you in person now?”

Solar Luminary: “Come ahead.”

…

Over the vast waters of the North Sea, fierce winds howled.

A man and a woman stood side by side, both Daoists.

Suddenly, a light flickered in midair before them.

As a flash of cold light flickered, a female figure emerged from within.

The two Daoists waiting—one man and one woman—were none other than Shang Nan and Xue Xingzi from the Ming Realm.

They bowed in unison. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“No need for formalities.”

The woman wore relatively simple clothing and bore some resemblance to Xue Xingzi, with a style distinctly of the Shushan Sect.

However, she was entirely shrouded in white radiance, making her difficult to look at directly—her presence awe-inspiring.

She had come from the Ming Realm, passed through Penglai, and entered the Tang Realm.

In the Daoist Nation of the Ming Realm, she was addressed as “Emperor Sovereign.”

But to the likes of Fu Dongsen and other cultivators from the Tang Realm’s Daoist Nation, she was typically referred to as the Western White Emperor.

“Brother Huang is still in seclusion?” she asked.

Shang Nan replied, “Since Fellow Daoist Fu Dongsen died, the Northern Black Emperor has yet to appear. As a result, those from the Daoist Nation in the Tang Realm have all gone into hiding, not daring to show themselves.”

Western White Emperor: “Give me a full update on the current situation here.”

Shang Nan and Xue Xingzi: “Yes.”

The two proceeded to recount all they had seen and heard during their time in the Tang Realm.

Western White Emperor said, “There are quite a few noteworthy points. Going forward, focus on the Twin Swords of Purple and Green, the Tianshi Seal of Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion, and the Ten Thousand Methods Altar. Also keep an eye on Huangquan’s Inner Shushan and the Five Decays Dao Bell, the Taiyi Innate Tower, and that young man named Chen Yi.”

Shang Nan and Xue Xingzi acknowledged the order, each lost in thought.

The first three items were clearly major concerns.

As for the last two…

The Taiyi Innate Tower itself was extraordinary, but what drew the Emperor’s particular interest, Xue Xingzi guessed, was the tower’s Daoist principles of space shifting and cosmic resonance—useful for their own artifact refinement efforts.

As for this Chen Yi, he’d made a name for himself years ago in the Stone Forest of Nanzhao, and rumors about him persisted to this day.

The Northern Black Emperor and the Daoist Nation of the Tang Realm had clearly misjudged him before and lost a precious asset.

Naturally, the Western White Emperor and the Ming Realm’s Daoist Nation wouldn’t want to make the same mistake.

But tracking Chen Yi down now would be difficult—especially since they were unfamiliar with the terrain. Their best bet was to observe the movements of other powers.

“Your Majesty, about the Northern Black Emperor…” Shang Nan asked softly.

Walking silently atop the ocean waves, the Western White Emperor kept a low profile. “Since Brother Huang is currently in seclusion, we’d best not disturb him. I’m sure we’ll meet again in due time.”

…

In the Western Region, at Vajra Monastery.

Once a barren place, it was now bathed day and night in radiant Buddhist light—clear, pure, and unyielding like vajra—spreading across the land.

The monastery had been extensively renovated and expanded.

The Vajra Division from Mount Sumeru was gradually establishing a foothold here.

At the very heart of Vajra Monastery stood a Void Gateway that connected the mortal world to Sumeru.

Under the glow of the Buddha’s light, the gateway had taken on a distinct form—shaped like a treasure hall.

At this moment, in front of the hall, Grandmaster Jiasheng and Grandmaster Renzhu, both at the Ninth Heaven level, stood respectfully alongside several high-ranking monks of the monastery, awaiting someone’s arrival.

Moments later, the treasure hall erupted in brilliant light.

Its doors opened, and a group of monks walked out, their cultivation levels ranging from high to low.

In the center stood an ordinary-looking middle-aged monk, plain in appearance.

But the moment he emerged, the skies above filled with celestial flowers, and the sound of Dharma conches echoed all around.

Everyone, including Grandmasters Jiasheng and Renzhu, bowed deeply to the man. “Master.”

The middle-aged monk was named Jialuotu.

He was the head of the Vajra Division of the Vajra Realm.

“Still not going smoothly?” the Vajra Division Head asked gently.

Grandmaster Jiasheng looked ashamed. “The Tang Emperor’s mind is unpredictable. It’s difficult for us disciples to grasp his intent.”

Vajra Division Head: “All emperors have their own way of balancing power. We just need to stand firmly on one side of that balance.”

Jiasheng: “The Tang Emperor still harbors suspicion toward our monastery and holds some bias. We can only proceed slowly and carefully.”

“You’re doing the right thing,” said the Vajra Division Head. “But sometimes, don’t be afraid to act more decisively. See what happens.”

Jiasheng: “Understood, Master.”

He exchanged a glance with Renzhu. “We’re currently making some preparations…”

The Vajra Division Head glanced at them and smiled. “No need to report everything to me. Just go ahead.”

Both Jiasheng and Renzhu responded: “Yes, Master.”

They led the group deeper into the monastery, stopping before a stone wall.

The wall had four holes, with three containing ritual bells. One remained empty.

The Vajra Division Head asked, “Do we have suitable candidates for the other three Guardian positions?”

Renzhu replied, “The Tang Realm is currently experiencing a surge in spiritual energy. While this benefits cultivation and brings forth new talents, finding the right candidates is still quite difficult.”

Vajra Division Head: “There’s no rush.”

Renzhu: “Yes.”

The middle-aged monk and his group went to rest.

Meanwhile, Jiasheng, Renzhu, Zongcuo, and the monastery abbot Suo Yang met in another room.

“We have the Master’s approval—let’s move faster,” Jiasheng said. “This Chen Yi is tied to both the Mortal Daoist Nation and Mount Longhu’s Tianshi Mansion. He may even be connected to the lost Heavenly Court. This is a matter the Tang Imperial Family takes seriously. Finding him could shake multiple factions.”

Zongcuo: “We’ve confirmed he was sent out to sea by the Ye Clan of Cangzhou. But finding his exact location will take time.”

Jiasheng nodded slightly, then asked, “Any reply from the Crown Prince?”

Suo Yang, the abbot, answered, “His tone has softened, but his true thoughts remain hard to read.”

Jiasheng: “As the Master said, emperors always balance power—it’s only natural that their minds are hard to predict. What matters is that we become one of the pillars in that balance.”

Suo Yang: “Understood.”

…

After Haiwangju’s brief appearance, helping Li Yan and the Jiuli experts escape danger, it vanished once more into the vast sea.

Having accomplished his goals, Li Yan returned to the Land of the Deep Sea. With Li De, he led the Broken Li and Bi Li clans to seek a new place for survival and expansion.

Tang Xiaotang was in closed-door cultivation and had no time to pursue Li Yan for now.

However, she hadn’t forgotten that Li Yan had been one of the invaders who struck during her last seclusion. She was simply waiting until her new divine ability was fully formed—then she’d go back into the Deep Sea to settle the score.

With the Jiuli Clan retreating into the Deep Sea for now, the Southern Wasteland under the Great Tang finally quieted down.

Both within and outside the empire, the Tang Dynasty entered a rare period of rest and recovery.

Back on Mount Longhu, Lei Jun remained secluded in Tianshi Mansion, undisturbed by outside affairs, focused solely on his cultivation.

In the mountains, time passed unnoticed.

Winter came in Lei Jun’s fifty-seventh year.

That year, the Tianshi Mansion held a new Initiation Ceremony.

Tianshi Tang Xiaotang finally emerged from seclusion and personally presided over the ceremony.

Some disciples had hoped to be accepted as Tang Xiaotang’s direct disciples, but none managed to catch her eye.

Another year passed.

It was time for the Tianshi Mansion’s once-every-six-years Talisman Conferral Ceremony.

“This year’s top candidate is probably Senior Brother Luo’s disciple, Junior Niece Hua Wei, right?” asked Chu Kun, now clad in a purple robe like Lei Jun, having become a High Priest Elder.

Lei Jun nodded slightly. “Mm. This year marks her tenth anniversary since entering the Mansion through Initiation.

In ten years, she’s already reached perfection in the Third Heaven Altar Realm. We’ll see how long it takes her to form her own Primal Talisman after this.”

He glanced at Chu Kun beside him. “About the same speed you had back in the day.”

Chu Kun chuckled, “I got lucky, Senior Brother—don’t tease me. I might brag in front of others, but you outpaced me by a long shot.”

Qin Caiwei’s cultivation progress was indeed exceptional, and she had become widely known within and beyond the Mansion.

Among their generation, only Lei Jun’s disciple Zhuo Huajie had advanced faster.

But Zhuo Huajie had an unusual background, with immense talent and resources during her Lower Heaven cultivation period—an outlier case.

Even Chu Kun, whose talent hadn’t seemed remarkable in the early stages, had proven himself. Lei Jun believed his junior brother clearly had his own strengths.

So did Qin Caiwei.

“Progressing quickly for a while doesn’t mean much. The real test is whether she can maintain it. If she does, we’ll have another pillar of the sect,” Chu Kun said.

Lei Jun replied, “In some ways, she already is.”

Chu Kun smiled. “That’s true. Once she advances a bit more, we can hand the entire medicinal garden over to her.”

After laughing, he grew thoughtful. “But, Senior Brother, I have this feeling—her love for nurturing spiritual flowers and herbs seems genuine. Yet her cultivation speed... seems like it involves some unusual fortune or luck. Do you think there’s a problem?”

Lei Jun: “As long as Little Senior Sister has no objections, and Junior Niece Hua Wei poses no threat to those around her, there’s no need to dig deeper.”

Chu Kun nodded lightly.

Lei Jun asked, “You’re not getting any younger, and your cultivation is solid. Have you thought about taking a disciple?”

Chu Kun had reached the Seventh Heaven Realm in his mid-forties. Though not as dazzling as Lei Jun, Xu Yuanzhen, or Tang Xiaotang, it was still a speed that shocked the world and stirred discussion throughout the Great Tang.

While he hadn’t broken into the Eighth Heaven before turning fifty, Lei Jun had no concerns about his junior brother’s future.

Clearly, Chu Kun—like himself and Xu Yuanzhen—was steadily improving across all aspects.

“In the words of our Sect Leader Senior Sister, I just haven’t met anyone who feels right yet,” Chu Kun said with a laugh.

The two brothers chatted for a bit longer.

When the ceremony officially began, they both participated, assisting the Tianshi in conducting the rites.

“This will be the last time,” the Tianshi said after the Talisman Conferral Ceremony.

She looked at Lei Jun and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. “You’ve had your eye on my position for a while, haven’t you?”

Lei Jun: “If you want to keep it, I’m fine with that, Little Senior Sister.”

Tang Xiaotang puffed out her cheeks. “If I didn’t have so many tasks stacked up, I wouldn’t mind staying. But this is endless and repetitive.”

She spun around in a slow circle. “Still, whether I go up or step down, it has to be done with flair. Hmph. That old conman Huang Xuanpu would make a great target!”

She stopped walking and looked at Lei Jun. “Hurry up and find him. Forget about the next Initiation Ceremony—that’s in two years. Just make sure you’re ready before the next Talisman Conferral. Then you’ll be the one handling everything.”

Lei Jun: “I won’t need that long.”

Tang Xiaotang’s eyes lit up. “Oh?”

Lei Jun: “Next Initiation and Talisman Conferral—I’ll be in charge.”

After this Talisman Conferral Ceremony, Lei Jun entered closed-door seclusion for deep cultivation.